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Pink Sauce Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish that combines the robustness of tomato sauce with smooth cream for a delightful pink hue, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta and base ingredients

  • 300 g pasta of choice (penne works beautifully)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small red onion, minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce ingredients

  • 1.5 cups tomato passata (or puree/sauce; avoid tomato paste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 cube chicken bouillon, crumbled
  • 1 pinch sugar
  • sprinkle of red chili flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/3-1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions, then drain, reserving a bit of pasta water.

Cooking the sauce

  • In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the minced red onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Pour in the tomato passata and add dried basil, crumbled chicken bouillon, pinch of sugar, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
  • Mix in the heavy cream and milk, followed by the shredded mozzarella until everything is combined and the sauce thickens.

Combining

  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
  • Warm through for a couple of minutes and serve immediately.

Notes

For a well-rounded meal, pair with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. This dish is versatile; feel free to add proteins like grilled chicken or vegetables.
Keyword Creamy Pasta, Dinner, Family Meal, Pink Sauce Pasta, Tomato Cream Sauce